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Seymour Loses Devoted Public Servant

SEYMOUR – The community lost one of its most dedicated public servants, Bruce Baker, who passed away Nov. 15.

Baker, 75, leaves behind his wife, Karen, of 54 years, and his sons Erik and Greg and several grandchildren.

Baker dedicated much of his life to public service, leaving behind an “extraordinary legacy of service to the Town of Seymour,” according to his obituary.

Baker served in numerous leadership roles, including Seymour’s Deputy First Selectman and Chairman of the Board of Education, as well as a member of the Board of Ethics, Chatfield School Building Committee, High School Building Committee, Seymour Strategic Planning Committee and the Board of Assessment Appeals.

In addition, Baker devoted his time to youth sports and recreation, serving as the Cub Master of Pack 65, Little League baseball and basketball coach, President of Seymour Pop Warner, President of the Seymour Kickoff Club, President of the Seymour Fathers’ Club and President of the Hoopsters’ Club.

A devoted church man, Baker was an active, 46-year member of Seymour Congregational Church serving numerous terms as Moderator, Deacon and in multiple finance roles.

His love of Boston sports was well-known, and throughout his retirement, Baker was an avid golfer.

Friend and fellow Board of Education member Fred Stanek said Baker’s passing is a huge loss.  

"As members of the Seymour Board of Education for many years together, Bruce and I often disagreed on important educational issues,” said Stanek. “However, Bruce understood that the best educational decisions for the school district were made through the deliberative process by discussing differing points of view. I will remember that Bruce had the best interests of the students at heart and that he and I were always able to leave a meeting after a heated civil debate shaking hands ready to continue our discussions at the next meeting. Bruce will be remembered as a great public servant.”

Former First Selectman Robert Koskelowski was proud to call Baker a friend.

“Bruce served on many boards, but when he served with me on the Board of Selectmen, it was an honor and that’s when we all new Bruce was serving to help make Seymour a great town,” Koskelowski said. “He helped us improve our school system. He was just a great guy who we will all miss. He worked hard for the betterment of the community.”

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Seymour Congregational Church, 45 Broad St. The family will welcome friends at a celebration of life reception in the fellowship hall at 3p.m. Interment will be private.

Donations can be made to the Bruce Baker Memorial Fund of the Seymour Congregational Church. Arrangements are with the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St. To share a memory online, visit www.hullfh.com.

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Valley's Silver Sluggers Hits 400th Gathering

Rich Marazzi

ANSONIA - Ansonia’s own Rich Marazzi recently reached a milestone with his 400th Silver Slugger baseball talk shop at Derby Public Library.

In front of his usual Thursday morning capacity crowd of baseball worshippers, Rich leads his interactive audience with topical baseball happenings of the week mixed with stories of yesteryear.

His guest speaker on this milestone day was Ansonia resident Bob Pollack, a former Evening Sentinel editor and sports writer. Mr. Pollack entertained the group with many wonderful professional and amateur baseball stories experienced throughout his sports writing years.

(Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page) 


Bob Pollack

House Passes Sports Helmets Safety Bill Introduced by Klarides Sisters

 

HARTFORD - Yesterday, the House unanimously passed legislation, introduced by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, which will provide consumers with better information regarding the safety of sports helmets.

 

The Klarides sisters brought this legislation forward after, Jason Klein of Force3 Pro Gear, a local Derby business, expressed his frustration that his company and others were unable to share their helmet safety test results with the public.

 

According to Klein, sports safety helmets are tested by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. The NOCSAE helmet standard uses a pass/fail threshold to determine whether or not a helmet meets the standard performance criteria. The NOCSAE pass/fail threshold is 1200 Severity Index units or SI. A helmet must test below 1200 SI in all 16 designated and random impact locations, including impacts at a helmet in ambient, high and low temperatures.

 

Klein said in testimony, "There’s been no place for an athlete or parent seeking helmet safety information to turn and no way for them to compare results with other helmets currently on the market."

 

Rep. Klarides and Klarides-Ditria said in a joint statement, "Helmet manufacturers should be able to tell the public that their protective equipment is tested and safe. We want to thank Jason for bringing this forward. This legislation will keep athletes of all ages safe."

 

The bill now heads to the Senate.

 

(This is a press release from Spencer Rubin/CT House Republicans)

Ansonia's Winning Coach to be Honored

 ANSONIA- Mayor Dave Cassetti will honor long-time Ansonia High School baseball coach Mike Vacca at 3:00 on Wednesday May 10 at Nolan Field in a ceremony to celebrate Coach Vacca’s recent 500^th win.

The ceremony will take place prior to the scheduled Ansonia High School baseball game against rival Oxford.

Coach Vacca will receive a plaque and a proclamation announcing Wednesday May 10 as Coach Mike Vacca Day.

Former coaches have been invited, and Mayor Cassetti encourages former players, residents, city officials and fans to attend and support this Ansonia sports history event.

Coach Vacca has been a mainstay on the baseball diamond for 40 years, having been involved with Ansonia High School baseball as an assistant (1971-1977) and head coach (1978-2017).
His milestone 500^th win on Monday against Torrington also spotlights Vacca as the 5^th winningest high school baseball coach in Connecticut history. 

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Lets Talk Sports in Derby

DERBY- The Derby Public Library has scheduled a Hot Stove Roundup session of its

popular Sports Talk series on Thursday, February 4 at 10:00 AM.

 

Rich Marazzi, who has authored six sports books, is a Major League Rules Consultant, former high

school and college umpire, and host of the radio talk show, Inside Baseball for 17 years,

has been the leader of the Derby Public Library’s Silver Sluggers for the past ten years.

 

Trades, signings and rumors of the Major League Baseball’s off season will be discussed.

 

As always, new members of all ages are welcome! The eleventh season of the weekly

Sports Talk sessions will begin in April.

 

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

 

(This is a press release from Derby Public Library)

Derby High Sports Hall of Fame honors 10 in inaugural class

Lou DeFilippo

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> When it comes to sports in Derby, legendary names like Lou DeFilippo, Walter “Buster” Jadach and Vin Greco probably come to mind.

Those three standouts have joined seven others as the inaugural class to be inducted into the Derby High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Joining Coach DeFilippo, Jadach (class of ’67) and Greco (class of ’70), are John Pagliaro (’74), George Budzinak (’66), Leo Ryan (’22), Bob Orchano (’82), Mike Marcucio (’97), Tony Passander (’66) and Diane Potkay (’96).

According to Mike Cannici, a former student athlete and member of the DHS class of ’95, who created the Hall of Fame, the 10 inductees were selected from nearly 100 nominees received by the Hall of Fame Committee since February.
Read more here.

Derby athlete breaks school record

DERBY - Tuesday turned out to be a pretty good day for Derby senior Eric Hicks.
The senior track athlete not only won the high jump in a personal record of 6 feet, 4 inches, but shattered the school record of 6-1, that dated back to 1961, which was held by  David Bishop.
Hicks’ mark qualified him for New Balance Outdoor Nationals in June in North Carolina and also propelled him to a tie for the second best mark in the state, according to athletic.net.
Hicks and the rest of the Derby boys’ track team won the meet against Woodland, Naugatuck and Watertown.
See the record-breaking jump here.

Seymour seeks nominees for Sports Hall of Fame

SEYMOUR - The Seymour High School Sports Hall of Fame committee has successfully completed its inaugural induction of coaches and athletes into its Sports Hall of Fame.

Members "are extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support of the local community in recognizing our inductees," the committee said in a release. "Without their continued support it would not be possible to honor coaches and athletes at this level."

The committee is now focusing on the induction class for 2014 and is currently accepting written nomination forms at Seymour High School.

Completed forms should be mailed to SHSSHoF, 2 Botsford Road, Seymour, 06483 before April 15, 2014 to enable sufficient time for processing.

The committee is also encouraging new memberships.
Persons interested in joining the committee can do so by attending monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Seymour High School, Room 109.


This post is taken from a press release.

Talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on sports injuries

DERBY - Athletes and their parents are invited to learn how to avoid sports and exercising injuries as well as the signs and symptoms of possible damage at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at Griffin Hospital.

Jeffrey Klauser, M.D.

Orthopedist and Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Jeffrey Klauser will present “From Pre-to Postseason - Common Injuries that Affect Our Young Athletes,” a talk about sports injuries and how overexertion during exercise can damage ankles, knees and hips.

The talk will be held in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

While the talk is tailored to youth athletes and their parents or caregivers, recreational sports enthusiasts and individuals of all ages who exercise regularly or are starting an exercise routine will also benefit from this health information.
There will be ample time at the end of the presentation for attendees to ask Klauser about their specific injuries or concerns.

Attendees will receive a complementary “Free Play” coupon for the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton.

Klauser has a wealth of expertise honed under the guidance of world-renowned Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute in Pensacola, FL.
A Shelton native and former member of the Shelton High football and basketball teams, Klauser understands athletes and is an expert in the latest procedures used in treating athletes of all ages. He utilizes minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques which reduce post-operative recovery time and allow for an early return to work and play.
His surgical interests include arthroscopic and open treatment of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle injuries, as well as general orthopaedics.
He is a member of Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists in Shelton.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

 All Tuesday Talks are held in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center.Street in Derby.
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org. To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wine tasting fund-raiser planned in Oxford

Proceeds will benefit Seymour youth sports and Land Trust.


This information is taken from a press release from First Selectman Kurt Miller's office.

Preschoolers enjoy sports in Seymour rec program

These are some of the participants in the Seymour Recreation Department's Preschool Sports Mania Class. 
Pictured front row from left are Gianna Garofalo, Jacob Lang, Adam Simoes, Sam Bender. 
Back row from left are Sam DiCapua, Maia Simoes, Jeffrey Weaver and Payton Motyl. Missing from photo are Samantha Pastick and Samantha Botelho.


SEYMOUR - Children ages 3-5 are taught to play a different sport each week in the Seymour  Recreation Department's Pre-School Sports Mania class. The sport is geared for their age.

Activities this past session included soccer, parachute games, jump ropes, hula hoops, aerobics and floor hockey.

Classes are 45 minute long; each session runs for six weeks.
The program is held in the Seymour Recreation Department Gym. Missy Orosz, part-time Associate Recreation Director, started the program in spring 2009.

The next session will start soon. Call the Seymour Recreation Department to register, 203-888-0406.


This information is taken from a press release from Missy Orosz.

'The Taste' on tap at Warsaw Park

My co-worker Jean Falbo-Sosnovich has a story in the paper today about an event this Saturday in Ansonia that will no doubt be a lot of fun.

The second annual wine, beer and food "tasting" event benefits girls' softball in Seymour.

Sounds like a win-win.

Pre-school games, summer jobs on tap in Seymour

      SEYMOUR - Pre-School Sports Mania class will begin Feb. 13 and run through March 27. (No class March 6).
      Come join us from 9:30-10:15 a.m. to play sports, games for pre-schoolers ages 2-5. Cost is $20 for Seymour residents and $25 for non-residents.
      Space is limited. Call the Seymour Recreation Department to register, 203-888-0406.

Lifeguards, swim instructors sought
      The recreation department is accepting applications for employment opportunities for certified Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors for summer programs.
      For information call 203-888-0406.


This is taken from a press release from the Seymour Recreation Department.

Seymour tennis team attends sports symposium

                   Teammates get together at New Haven Open. / Contributed photo

Several members of the Seymour High School Varsity Tennis Team were chosen to attend the Girls' High School Sports in Connecticut Symposium on Title IX, Celebrating 40 Years of Inspiration at the New Haven Open at Yale presented by Aetna.
Team members who participated were from left, Mallory Briggs, Gabby Zawadzki, moderator Cindy Bronson, EPSN Sports Center Anchor, Katherine Acquavella, Cierra Green, and Monica Mordowanec.
The girls were also treated to an afternoon of tennis play in addition to a panel discussion with several high-powered women in sports. / Contributed photo


This information is taken from a release from Missy Orosz of Seymour. 

Seymour Rec slates activities

Parent/Toddler Playgroup

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Toddler Playgroup Program. The play group is for children ages 1 through 4.
Parent/Guardian are required to stay with their child. The sessions are held at the Recreation Center, 20 Pine St. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and will run for eight weeks starting Sept.18  Cost is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents.

 Pre-School Sports Mania

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Pre-School Sports Mania Class. Children aged 2-5 will be able to learn and play various sports that are adapted for their age and ability. 
Activities to include hula hoops, Nerf balls, parachute games, floor hockey and more. Wednesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. starting Sept. 26 and run for five weeks in the Recreation Department Gym. Cos is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents.

Pre-School Craft Class

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Pre-School Craft Class for children 18 months through 5 years of age. 
Come and get messy and be creative with simple arts and craft projects. Class will meet Wednesdays from 10:15-11 a.m. in the Recreation Department multi-use classroom starting Sept. 26 and will run for five weeks. Cost is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents. All supplies are included in the price. To register for any of the above, call Jack Ahearn or Missy Orosz, 203-888-0406.

Health fair to cover dehydration dangers in youth sports

Event slated Sept. 16 at club in Shelton

 With many young school athletes working hard this month to prepare for fall sports, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley is encouraging parents and coaches to keep children safe especially from heat-related illnesses.

Nearly 3/4 of U.S. households have at least one child who plays organized sports. Unfortunately, about 3.5 million children receive medical treatment for a sports-related injury each year, and as many as half of these injuries are preventable according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“With scorching high temperatures and vigorous practice sessions underway for school age children, parents and coaches have an even greater role to play in keeping children safe and injury free,” said Cathi Kellett, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coordinator. “It’s vitally important to set realistic expectations for children about sports and understand how to help them prepare properly, prevent injuries and play safely.”

In a nationwide education campaign, supported by its founding sponsor Johnson & Johnson, Safe Kids Worldwide coalitions have hosted more than 150 Youth Sports Safety Clinics for parents and youth coaches since April.
Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, Griffin Hospital, and the Valley Parish Nurses will be hosting a Sports Safety program at the 11^th Annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair on Sept.16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, One Positive Place, Shelton.

Heat stroke danger on the rise

The summer heat has brought particular attention to the dangers of heat stroke, one of the leading causes of sudden death in sports.
 According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the number of heat-related injuries from 1997 to 2006 increased 133 percent. Youth accounted for the largest proportion of heat-related injuries or 47.6 percent.

According to a leading expert on heat stroke, Dr. Douglas Casa, over the past five years, the number of heat stroke deaths from exertion in youth sports is higher than in any five-year period in the past 35 years.

“One of the most powerful protective steps in assuring that athletes stay hydrated is proper time and access to fluids during physical activity,” said Casa, a researcher and professor at the University of Connecticut and chief operating officer at the school's Korey Stringer Institute. “Coaches and parents supervising youth activities in the intense heat must have policies or guidelines in place so that youth athletes can stay cool and properly hydrated during practices and events.”

A national survey commissioned by Safe Kids Worldwide in April 2012, funded by Johnson & Johnson, confirmed parents and coaches need more youth sports safety information.
In fact, when asked in a survey of more than 750 coaches, 73 percent of coaches reported they would like more training in heat illness prevention. Additionally, only 1 percent of young athletes reported having heard about heat illness as a type of sports injury.

Tips to follow
Safe Kids offers these important tips for coaches, parents, and league organizers to prevent heat illness and dehydration:

• Don’t wait for kids to tell you they are thirsty. Making regular water breaks (every 15-20 minutes) a habit will help avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

• We want our young athletes to drink water at least 30 minutes before play and every 15-20 minutes during play.

• For fluid intake during physical activity, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

o   5 oz. for an 88-pound child every 20 minutes

o   9 oz. for a 132-pound adolescent every 20 minutes

o   A child’s gulp equals a ½ ounce of fluid so generally, your child should drink about 10 gulps for every 20 minutes of play

• Use urine color as a guide for hydration status:

o   Light like lemonade then the child is likely hydrated

o   Dark like apple juice then he/she is likely dehydrated

For information on Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley’s sports-safety clinics or sports injury prevention in general,  call Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coordinator, Cathi Kellett, 203-732-1337 or visit www.safekids.org/sports.

This above is taken from a release from Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Library hosts baseball talk, trivia contests

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library is in its seventh season of the very popular Sports Talk series, held every Thursday at 10 a.m.
   These informal sessions will meet throughout the baseball season. Rich Marazzi, radio talk show host, author, and Major League Baseball Rules consultant facilitates.
 Each session includes trivia contests, videos, lively conversation and more. All ages, rookies through veterans are invited to join Marazzi and his group of Silver Sluggers.
  No registration is necessary.  For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. , call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


The above release was provided by Derby Public Library Director Cathy Williams.